arvind's newsletter

1.The (controversial) new Parliament building will be inaugurated on Sunday.It has been built at a cost of ₹971 crore. The triangular shape is meant to ensure optimum space utilisation.

Here are some of the key features of the new Parliament building based on a report in Hindustan Times.

1. The new complex will have larger legislative chambers. Based on India’s national bird peacock, the new Lok Sabha will have thrice the current seating capacity at 888 seats, while there will be 348 seats for Rajya Sabha, which is based on the Lotus theme - the national flower. As per the new floor plan, the Lok Sabha hall will be able to accommodate 1,272 seats for joint sessions.

2. Other than the two legislative chambers, the new complex will host a ‘Constitutional Hall’ in the centre - a new addition. It will have offices on the exterior like the previous building and the central joint session from the old complex will be a part of the LS hall, as mentioned above.

2.Paralysis Breakthrough ?
Swiss neuroscientists have successfully utilised a brain-spine interface to enable a paralyzed man to walk using his thoughts, according to a study released yesterday. The breakthrough development expands on recent innovations using spinal implants to generate movement in patients with immobilising spinal injuries.

Gert-Jan Oskam, a Dutch 40-year-old who was paralysed 12 years ago (see documentary), received two brain implants and one on his spine, creating a so-called "digital bridge" across the injured nerves. A portable computer decodes his brain's electrical signals and relays them to a spinal pulse generator, resulting in the perception that his lower body movements are voluntary. Combined with regular therapy, the procedure allows Oskam to walk and climb stairs with a natural gait aided by a walker, at times without the digital bridge activated.

The procedure further opens the possibility for victims of paralysis to regain control of their legs, with researchers hoping to reduce the size and invasiveness of the implant

3.Technology and the pandemic combined to create a generation of digital nomads who work from wherever they want.

"An influx of digital nomads into a neighbourhood can distort the local economy. Seeking foreign cash, many cities invite this kind of visitor, but their arrival can skew the cost of living for residents. “ reports RestOfWorld. Read on

4Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads to One Side?
The endearing behaviour is well-known, but few researchers have investigated the reasons why dogs tilt their heads. A recent study offers some clues.

5.AI is going disrupt many industries while also automating jobs.
Bill Gates sees the end of Google Search and Amazon:If AI understands what you want, why waste time visiting a search engine or shopping on? Lets see.

And according to a Goldman Sachs research report, AI could replace 44% of the work that lawyers do. That could lead to a fall in how many people are employed in the legal industry.But the AI industry has had lawyers in its crosshairs for a long time, as this New York Times article points out. But it’s never been able to make much of a dent in the legal workforce.